A DRUGLINE volunteer was among five people arrested during a drugs raid, it was revealed today.

Police today confirmed that one of two women arrested at a house in Belfield Road, Accrington, was a volunteer with the Preston-based Drugline charity, which provides drugs counselling to people in West Lancashire and Burnley.

Detective Sergeant Jim Elston said: "I can confirm that one of the women arrested during a raid at an address in Belfield Road on Friday is a volunteer with Drugline.

"She was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply but has not been charged with any offences.

"All six people arrested have been released on police bail pending forensic examination."

Kath Talboys, project manager of Drugline, which was established 16 years ago and now employs 24 members of staff plus more than 100 volunteers said the charity was following the correct procedures to deal with the situation.

She said: "We don't know what has happened or what is going to happen and we are having to consider the potential effect on the charity.

"There are over 100 people in this organisation and at times, when working in this field, we are vulnerable and we have to be in risky situations.

"My concern now is her welfare and that of the organisation.

"This could have very damaging consequences but I cannot be responsible for 100 people 24 hours a day seven days a week."

The Drugline volunteer was arrested on Friday after officers swooped on an address in Belfield Road, Accrington, at 1.25pm where they seized what is believed to be ecstasy, amphetamine paste and cannabis resin.

Another man was later arrested following a raid at 6pm on a house in Walmsley Close, Church.

All six people were later released on bail pending further inquiries and forensic examination of the substances seized.

Both executions of search warrants were part of a division-wide crackdown primarily targeting heroin and crack cocaine under the Safer Streets in Lancashire initiative -- prompted by the Government's drive to reduce street crime in ten forces in the country.